Introduction

This research focuses on how semantic html tags has a role in improving the search engines optimization (SEO) and web accessibility, exploring how these semantic tags help improve the accessibility of web pages for users with disabilities including screen reader compatibility. By using both Semantic and non-semantic tags, developers get a better understanding of the structure and context to a website. The non-semantic html like <div>and <span>tells us nothing about its contents while the semantic elements like <form>,<table>, <article>, <header>, <footer> etc. clearly defines its content.
Below is the exploration of how to use semantic tags not only to improve the website’s visibility of the search engines but also contribute to a more accessible web experience for all users and anyone who desires to code.

Area of Study

THE ROLE OF SEMANTIC HTML IN ENHANCING SEO AND WEB ASCCESIBILITY.

Semantic html helps search engines understand the context and relevance of content on a page. Semantic SEO focuses on optimizing web content to align with the search intent of users and the semantic understanding of search engines. Google, the most widely used search engine, considers semantic HTML as a ranking factor, as it helps search engine bots understand the main content of a webpage, its relevance, and hierarchy. By using semantic HTML, web developers can ensure that search engines recognize the importance of the content, leading to higher visibility and better ranking in search results.

HOW SEMANTIC TAGS HELP SEARCH ENGINES UNDERSATND WEB CONTENT BETTER.

Semantic tags like <header>, <article>, <nav>, <section>, <footer> helps the search engines understand the web content in number of ways. It helps your content be more accessible and understandable for your audience, search engines, and assistive technologies. Here are some of the html tags that help the search engines in identifying the specific works of different semantic html tags. ;
• <header>: The element is used to define the header section of a webpage, typically containing the site's title, logo, and main navigation.
• <article>:The element is used to explain a self-contained piece of content, like a blog post or news article.
: represents a navigation menu and contains links to different sections or pages of a website.
• <section>: It represents the section of the document.
• <footer>: the element represents the footer section of a webpage, typically containing contact information, copyright notices, and secondary navigation.
• <main>: The element is used to define the main content area of a webpage, excluding headers, footers, and sidebars. There can only be one main element on the page.
• <Sum>: specifies a header for an element. The heading can be clicked to view/hide the details.

HOW SEMANTIC HTML IMPROVES THE ACCESSIBILITY OF WEB PAGES FOR USERS WITH DISABILITIES, INCLUDING SCREEN USER COMPATIBILITY

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Semantic html is the cornerstone of web accessibility. By using elements that clearly describe their purpose and content, one provides the clear structure that assistive technologies can navigate and also help users with disabilities access easily. Semantic elements improve the user experience for those with cognitive disabilities by establishing a consistent and predictable structure.

Elements like<nav>for navigation and<main> for the main content region help users understand the layout and find information quickly. This is especially beneficial for people with disabilities who rely on a logical structure to process information. By using semantic tags, you're not just coding for visual presentation; you're coding for clarity and meaning, making your website more inclusive.

Screen readers are tools that convert text to speech or braille for visually impaired users. Semantic HTML elements like <h1> through <h6> convey the hierarchy of content, making it easier for screen reader users to navigate through a webpage. Non-semantic tags, on the other hand, can leave users disoriented. By structuring your content with proper headings, lists, and other semantic elements, you create a roadmap that guides users through your site's information landscape.

SEO BENEFITS

HOW SEMANTIC HTML HELPS SEARCH ENGINES INDEX AND RANK WEB PAGES.

Tags such as <header>and <article>help indicate to search engines what content is most relevant on the page. For example, an <article>tag signals that its continuing tags such as <figure> and<fig caption> helps search engines present more detailed information like images with descriptive caption sent is independent and potentially shareable, influencing how it may appear in search results. Using semantic tags like <article> for blog posts or <section> to separate distinct topics on a page helps search engines understand the purpose of each block of content.

THE ROLE OF SEMANTIC HTML IN IMPROVING THE RELEVANCE AND QUALITY OF SEARCH RESULTS

Semantic HTML helps convey the relevance of your content to search engines. By using specific tags that describe the purpose of each piece of content, you're giving search engines more context for what your page is about. This increased understanding can lead to more accurate indexing and, as a result, your content is more likely to appear in relevant searches. The right tags can make the difference between being buried in search results and landing a spot on the first page.

WAYS IN WHICH SEMANTIC HTML POSITIVELY IMPACTS A WEBSITE’S SEO PERFORMANCE.

Semantic HTML can positively impact a website's SEO performance in several ways;

• Semantic HTML provides a clear structure for content, which helps search engines understand the meaning of the page.
• Semantic tags help search engine crawlers navigate and index web pages, which can lead to faster indexing.
• Semantic HTML helps developers convey the meaning and context of content more effectively.
• Semantic HTML is important for generating rich and featured snippets in search results.
• Semantic HTML contributes to a better user experience.
• Semantic HTML makes code more readable and maintainable, which simplifies the process of updating and managing the website.